ximilialog | OPEN ● ● ● Every Christmas is Last Christmas

OPEN ● ● ● Every Christmas is Last Christmas

CHARACTERS: the doctor (12), the doctor (11), clara oswald, river song, and all of you
LOCATION: the mess hall, the kitchens, the simulation room
DATE: december 24th, 25th
CONTENT: team tardis throws a big christmas party for the station
WARNINGS: none for now, will warn as needed (no fires!!!)

PART I
'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS ...

1.0 Inside the kitchen and mess hall, Orbers will find the entire place decked out to the nines (Or elevens! Hohoho). No one knows how this all came together, but you will find almost everything Christmas related decorated along the walls and tables.

Hanging all around the walls are blue Christmas stockings! Each stocking will have the name of Orber etched in gold knitting. Inside each stocking is an array of personalized treats (if your character is a smoker, for example, then they will find a pack of cigarettes, a lighter, etc.)

On the tables at each place setting there are various coloured paper crowns for Orbers to decorate on their head – courtesy of Clara Oswald and her assistant, the Doctor (the chinny one) – and Christmas crackers to share with friends. Go on, then! Pull that cracker, see the assortment of sweets and surprises you’ve received. As far as refreshments go, there is plenty to share amongst everyone! There is eggnog, "naughty" eggnog, cookies, cakes, candy canes and sugar gumdrops. It is a downright delightful spread of treats to indulge and tide you over for before you feast with your teammates.

2.0 Before the main feast is prepared, there are plenty of activities to keep you (or a friend or two) occupied. Do you see those Christmas trees on almost every corner of the station? Yeah, the Doctor(s) got awfully distracted (something about if a hot dog is a sandwich) and these bare trees could use some decorative love. Or perhaps you can express your creative talents in the kitchen, where you may want to test out a new recipe to share with the rest of the class. Whether it be a savoury or a sweet dish, there is sure to be at least one person who might like it.

There is also a magician’s kit lying around if you want to take a crack at learning a few new tricks to show off to others! Or if you wish to partake in any group activity, there is a stack of board games and a deck of cards to play a friendly game of Go Fish! Who knows? The game-world’s your oyster.

3.0 By evening, the mess hall will be set up with napkins and plates and cutlery of varying Christmas-y colours. It isn’t perfect, but nothing ever really is, is it? Especially after the Doctor (the cross Scots one) might have very nearly burned the kitchens down a little earlier – something about improving the heat for the roast. Still, it’s finally time for the Christmas feast! And oh, what a smell there is wafting through the large space. There’s plenty of delicious food to go around – especially using much of the ingredients that had come in through the last supply drop. There are varying plates of savoury and sweet dishes, some recognizable, some a little more ... eclectic (you use what space ingredients you’re given, after all), but all of what the hosts have prepared look ... surprisingly edible, some of it even delicious. Roast veg, gravy, stuffing, biscuits, gingerbread, hot cocoa, marshmallows, something mulled, and sweets!

Of course, the more food, the merrier! If you’ve taken part in the cooking and baking from earlier, arriving with your own special Signature Dish, the Doctors (yes, both of them!) will be so pleased to see it join the rest of the feast.

And for those who might have run across the Doctor’s enthusiastic ramblings on Jammie Dodgers at one point will finally get a chance to try them. They’ll be stacked up to resemble a tree on a plate, sprinkled with (edible) glitter in blue and silver.

PART II
SIMPLY HAVING A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS TIME

4.0 Christmas Morning finds everyone with an open invitation to the simulation room to attend a very merry Christmas morning. Step inside and be taken away to a warm and cozy living room that is elaborately decorated for the holiday. You’ve been decorated for the occasion too, decked out in pajamas and a robe. With slippers to match, everyone that’s a part of Christmas morning will look like they’re ready to play their part in the festivities. There’s a fire crackling in the fireplace, the smell of cinnamon and clove in the air, and the distant sound of traditional Christmas songs playing on an antique radio over in the corner of the room. There’s also a tree, of course, one that almost seems too large to be in such a quaint place. It’s fully decorated, absolutely covered with a variety of kitschy ornaments like Santa Claus on a T-Rex or bears in tutus. There also happen to be ornaments of every single orber present on the station, presented in the form of ridiculous looking little elves.

Around the tree and scattered around the floor are opened gift boxes, wrapping paper strewn about. Toys from the boxes are discarded on the floor and around the room, plastic dinosaurs and robots that come to life when you wind them up. There are ridiculous looking squeaky alien toys, marshmallow launchers, and even a giant stuffed giraffe. Who could all of these toys belong to?

There also happen to be gifts beneath the tree for everyone. There aren’t any labels on the gifts so feel free to choose whichever one you like (but only one, there won’t be any greedy Scrooges here on Christmas!). No matter what size package that is chosen, big or small, there’s a sweater inside: an ugly Christmas sweater for everyone. One that can be put on over your pajamas to take part in an ugly sweater contest once everyone has unwrapped their gifts.

And of course no Christmas morning is complete without some sort of breakfast. Set up in the corner of the room is a small table with pastries and cocoa, with a big bowl of mini marshmallows. There’s coffee present too, for those that prefer their breakfast with a little less sugar. There’s plenty of seating around the living room to grab a leather chair or a spot on the fluffy couch. Or maybe sit in one of the red velvet chairs over by the windows to watch the slow and steady snowfall over a picturesque view of the British countryside.

5.0 As the events of the morning slowly come to an end, the simulation shifts to a quiet little town. There’s snow on rooftops and colorful lights lining buildings that manage to glisten and glow even in the daylight. The entire street is completely over the top with decoration; fresh garlands that smell of pleasant pine, miniature christmas trees decorated from top to bottom, and vibrant red bows are just about everywhere. There’s no hustle and bustle here, just a relaxed afternoon in the most Christmasy town ever.

The smell of cider and gingerbread baking are in the air, brought on by a bakery that’s open for a visit. Want to make a gingerbread house? There are materials set out to do that. There are things for gingerbread people too, if that’s more your bag.

There’s a bookstore filled with all kinds of books. If you’re not from Earth and are curious about Christmas, there’s plenty of children’s books on the matter waiting for you to enjoy. They’re set up on an elaborate display up front, though anyone is free to browse around and look through what else they have to offer.

A toy store, magician’s shop, and a boisterous pub round off the shops found on the street. There’s street vendors selling chestnuts that have been roasted over an open fire, wassail, and marshmallows for roasting. There’s also a band playing live music, Christmas carols of course. Join in and sing along or don’t. No one’s going to judge you either way. Take your time to enjoy everything or rush through because it’s too much Christmas, all in your face at once. Either way, the marketplace is present for hours in the afternoon and leading into the evening hours.

6.0 As night falls everyone is guided out of town and down a candle lit path that leads to a frozen over pond. It’s been set up for ice skating, with skates set aside for anyone that wants a pair. There’s baubles of lights set out all around the area, and the moon hangs high overhead. No seriously, the moon looks incredibly huge tonight. It’s blue glow reflects on the ice along with the warm yellow glow of all the lights. It’s a welcoming atmosphere, inviting anyone that’s brave enough to put on skates and take part.

The band from the Christmas market earlier are back to play throughout the night, playing quieter songs mixed in with lively pieces that are meant to get people speed skating around the ice.

Set a short distance away from the ice is a long table, with plenty of mismatched seats. Fairy lights twinkle overhead, and are also glowing from inside glass canisters that make up the centerpieces on the table. There’s dark blue galaxy dinnerware at every place, and a small feast spread out so no matter where someone sits there’s plenty within reach. It always manages to stay warm, and nothing ever seems to run out. It’s a perfect place to take a break and grab a quick meal, or just sit and chat with someone while you both enjoy a drink.

The area around the pond can be explored, so go crazy playing in the snow or whatever it is you want to do there. Just don’t wander too far off from the group. There may or may not be razor-toothed snowmen keeping you from going too far. They may hiss or blow snow in your face, but they probably won’t try to bite anyone.

🎄 After all of that is said and done, Orbers may find themselves drawn towards a small bonfire billowing from the center of this quaint little town. But it isn’t just the scent of warm Maplewood dancing underneath your nose. There sitting on top of a milk-crate is The Doctor (12) playing a jaunty little tune from his electric guitar. Orbers are more than welcome to sit around the bonfire and reflect on these past few months and where they might find themselves in the future.

If you find yourselves by your lonesome fear not! The Doctor (11) will be there offer you a hug (or smooch if you’re feeling saucy).

No matter what strife you have been through this year, just remember ...

Each and every one of your lives is a story. So best make it a good one.

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Clara, [She introduces herself, looking completely bemused. It's hard to recall anyone else she's met that's quite like him.]

And I'm not sure you can fetch anything I like. What if I asked for something ridiculous, like...I dunno. An ooey, gooey toffee cake? Or bread pudding with whiskey sauce?

[Needless to say, she is absolutely happy to meet him and he is charming enough that any worry on her mind is forgotten for the time being.]

[Clara gasps in surprise as she winds up a bit too high, and wobbles her way to almost faceplant right into the tree. But he has a good hold on her and rights her to the correct spot, and she puts the ornament into place. One of her hands drops down to pat his arm then, a signal that she's ready to come down.

Once she's on her feet, she takes a moment to adjust her dress so it's perfectly straightened.]

Why are you apologizing? You can't help that my hips are too wide for proper lifting.

[It's said with a smirk, obviously only a joke.]

[ "social" is not the name of the game for gwen. a ways away from the table, a magenta crown clearly from clara on her head, gwen swaps cups in a seemingly random row. a hint for what she's up to comes when she taps the cups. one note she ignores, but upon hearing the other, she moves that cup again.

she does not look up, but she readily knows when someone approaches, and quickly warns— ] I'm almost done. Give me a sec.

[ i'll go anywhere. maybe it's not the intention of her words, but he's reminded of the time they were in the castle on the last mission, making silly promises about going to pocket dimensions together, that he'd take her hand and take her, and they could just escape somewhere away from everything.

that's not what this is, but a heat blossoms in his chest anyway, sighing softly that he lingers for another moment, watching her even as she settles back. once more, he leans down into her, kissing her again, gentle but tender before he finally begins to move his feet.

rather than an immediate exit from the room, he takes her to a corner where his pink bag is currently set upon one of the chairs, swooping it up over his shoulder before finally leading her to the door to leave the mess hall. ] Let's go.

Does anyone else here watch this stuff?

( He squints at Ellen Pompeo's face on the cover, and looks again at Daisy, arching a brow. )

Misery loves company.

In that case, these are perfectly safe.

[The tray is swiveled back out before him, ready for him to take.]

They're mostly egg whites and chocolate. Just avoid the berry puree.

[There's a few little containers of strawberry puree, which she helpfully pushes off to the side. Get out of here, allergens. You're not wanted here.]

Later.

If you ever want help with the nail polish or scrunchie, hit me up.

[It's as they're walking that she finally takes notice of that bag of his. She's seen it before in passing, but never has really taken a good look at it. So it's with her hand in his that she slows down a little, just enough to get a good look at his backside. His backside and his backpack.]

How have I never noticed the pink unicorn backpack?

[She's sure there's a story she hasn't gotten to hear yet about it, but she doesn't press the matter now. All that she cares about is the feel of her hand in his, and the fact they're slipping away for some time alone together.]

[Clara's typically quick with the witty retorts, but there's something about these particular snowmen that make her take pause and stare. Stare from a safe distance, of course. They strike a memory, something that's not hers directly, but still a part of her all the same.]

I've seen these before.

[Then it sinks in where she knows them from.]

In another lifetime, I think these had a hand in killing me.

[Or maybe they weren't involved at all. It's hard to tell when the memories of her echoes are repressed and fuzzy. But she definitely isn't keen to get too close. At least not without backup on her side.

She glances away from the snowmen, frowning.]

Did they try attacking you?

It came out perfect. I never had any . . . pictures. Just what I saw and what came from — [ he points to his chest. ] — here.

[The second his hand leaves hers, Clara fumbles to grab back ahold. Of course, she realizes a second later that he wants to be free from her grasp. So she awkwardly pulls her hand back to her own body, jamming it into the pocket of her skirt. After grabbing hold of the Doctor's hand and running into one adventure after the next, she forgets that not everyone is used to that sort of thing.]

You sound like someone that hasn't had a day of fun in his entire life.

[She teases, giving a light roll of her eyes.

Even if he can't guarantee that he'll enjoy it, he at least is coming. That's enough.]

[She gives the smallest shake of her head, paying close attention to her feet and how they're moving. The last thing she wants to do is trip up and wind up making Daisy fall too.]

I used to do it all the time when I was little. It's been a long time since I've put a pair of skates on, but I guess it's like riding a bike.

[Now that Daisy has some balance on her side, she starts to pull back, letting their hands drift apart. She's still skating backward, hands outstretched. Daisy can skate toward her, and she'll be sure to catch her if she starts to fall again.]

I think this may be the one thing here I'm actually good at.

[It's too bad ice skating won't really come in useful on any of the missions.]

Well, as long as they don't involve secret passages that move around of their own accord, I think I'll enjoy them.

[Sabriel had... more than enough of that during the Kilnan mission. But she reaches for the book all the same, about to add it to the pile before-]

Unless you'd like to read it first?

What?

[ he's so preoccupied with their little escape that he doesn't even register what she's asking at first before he realizes she's addresses his bag, his eyes peering over his shoulder briefly to take a peek at it before looking back at her again. ]

I've had it the whole time. Souvenir from Bay City.

[ more like a bit of storage for the excess of drugs he'd bought from some junkie on the street, but details.

they could likely sneak anywhere right now, but there's no point settling for half measures as he takes her towards the way of the rooms, specifically heading to his own and hoping kirigan hasn't made his return there yet tonight. if he's lucky, daisy's keeping him busy elsewhere. ]

[This is the moment where she typically might feel like an idiot. But she takes what he says in stride, shrugging it off.]

I must have only been seeing you.

[She's seen the bag but never really noticed it, always distracted by him. That same level of distraction is on display right now, as everything else around them falls away. She's smiling contently as they head toward the room, and she realizes quickly that he's taking her to his.

Daisy had better be keeping Kirigan occupied tonight.

As they stop in front of his door, she rises up enough to steal a quick kiss. There's a soft sigh after she does, happy as ever to have him close.]

Well, now I'm perfectly intrigued by these curveballs.

[ The Doctor's first thought, of course, was to request a song from that fine chap, Bowie. Shared in something of an adventure with him one time, stepping through a door, floating in a most peculiar way. Yes, it's entirely possible there's a certain little ditty that might have taken some influences from that time.

But he's more curious about Newt's personal choices and that ... ah, talent of his. (Yes, he recalls that network post some weeks ago, though it was a lucky thing he wasn't asleep.) ]

And I promise there will be nothing but appreciation from me. [ Also? Maybe? A smooch? Especially seeing as he's currently empty-handed of cookies. He presses a hand to his chest like he has even any idea what he's going on about when he adds: ] Scouts honour.

[She realizes then that she's never really asked much about where Sabriel comes from. She knows about the charter and about magic, but not much beyond that. There's an element of guilt that she feels extra strong this morning, her melancholy mood leading her to being more self-critical than she otherwise might be.]

Why wouldn't you have had the time? Is it because you're busy teaching magic there, too?

[ he couldn't really care one way or another whether she's noticed his bag or not in the past, but her comment still has enough power in it to coax out a slight smile from his lips, subtle and almost secretive as he wears it to himself while looking straight ahead as they walk.

he's still not sure why she's given him so much attention all this time, how she's locked her eyes on him in the time they've spent together, but — well, tonight feels too good to question it further, to want to jinx anything about how right this all feels.

at their door, she gives him another kiss, sweet in a way that almost feels natural, like she's given him hundreds of those sweet chaste kisses already, and he wonders when it really was that they suddenly became so comfortable, all fitting together without really noticing the way it has.

opening up the room, he urges her to step inside first with guidance from his hand before going in after her. ] Alright, considering your whole ... teacher-nanny thing, what scale would you say you're good with breaking a few rules?

Oh, well — what a fine mess this is, isn't it?

[ The Doctor tugs on his end, thinking it's a very simple fix, really, only to discover the vice-like grip that this tiny little simulated trap has on his index finger. It isn't even the matching finger, and now the two Doctors in their goggle-footed way look absolutely silly for that lack of symmetry!

He tugs again. ]

Oy — what did you do? You're doing it wrong!

[ Well, at least it's blue. ]

Fun was not a priority for me at any point in my life.

（ this isn't said with anything like wistfulness or a pitiable tone. he does not see it as a necessary thing, something lacked and sorely missed throughout his life. other things fulfilled him — peace, solitude, the pleasant exhaustion after a day spent training. he did not look to the children in the academy and wish to be like them, or to be included in their play. he understands what fun is, he simply has no desire to partake. ）

However, I recognize that it is important to others.

No. [And all trace of holiday joy flees from Sabriel's expression.]

Too busy with my duties as Abhorsen- fighting the Dead, and making sure the people of the Old Kingdom and Ancelstierre are safe from them. I tutored younger students when I was at school though, and- [Sabriel offers a weak smile.]

I hope that in a few years time, as the situation improves, I might be able to celebrate midwinter in Belisaere- the Old Kingdom's capital.

[She's almost offended that he feels the need to ask. Almost.

One of her eyebrows arches, her mouth twitching as she tries to hide the amused expression that's threatening to take over.]

I'd say...given the sort of trouble I often get into? I'm absolutely fine with breaking a few rules.

[There's a pause, just long enough to let that sink in.]

I robbed a bank once. True story.

[ it is short and to the point! she doesn't know how to explain it otherwise, but he follows it anyway, using her as a ballast. ]

[ she offers him a small approving grin. ] See? Not so bad. You're already standing which is probably more than you thought you could do a second ago.

Just accept that you're probably gonna fall on your ass a few times and it'll make it less scary.

Absolutely not, the best ornaments deserve the best spot — and the higher the better.

[ The Doctor's response is confident, beaming when he catches a glimpse of the particular ornament she's got in her hand. He has no idea where it came from but oh, he loves it, and oh, he misses the real thing. As far as Christmas ornaments go, it's officially his favourite one too.

And he thinks he's done a fine job otherwise, circulating bulbs and tinsel and twisty glassy ornaments around the tree in a mostly even manner. Any spot he might have missed, yes, Clara has delicately guided him to its proper place. ]

Where were you thinking?

[ with all the time they've spent together so far, it's hardly a question about whether she actually is willing to engage in a little trouble, but she does have enough of a fairly bossy nature that he can't help but pose the question anyway, even if he isn't even necessarily being specific in the details of what he has planned anyway.

the additional piece of information she gives with her answer isn't exactly what he expects to actually hear though. ]

You're shitting me.

[ clara oswald, bank robber? ]

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OPEN ● ● ● Every Christmas is Last Christmas

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christmas eve

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6.0

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5.0 — ; i read this prompt first and it was instant destiny

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2.0 — ;

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